Incentivized adoption of time-dependent insurance benefits

ABSTRACT

System(s) and method(s) to incentivize adoption of time-dependent customized insurance benefit(s) are provided. A provider of insurance benefit(s) incentivizes adoption of the insurance benefit(s) in exchange for knowledge of operation characteristics of an insured entity. Knowledge is cumulative and collected from the insured entity and environment in which the entity operates. Incentivation is accomplished at least in part through generation of incentive offer(s) based on available knowledge, which is associated with an operator of the insured entity rather than with the entity itself. The operator can regulate the scope of exchanged knowledge, and received incentive offer(s) and related content. Incentive offer(s) can be directed to provision of insurance benefit coverage that is adequate to current or nearly current operation condition(s); discounted real-time or nearly real-time insurance benefits; or subsidized service(s). Offered incentives can be afforded at least in part through monetization of available knowledge via commercialization thereof or targeted advertisement.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/624,371 filed on Nov. 23, 2009, and entitled “INCENTIVIZED ADOPTIONOF TIME-DEPENDENT INSURANCE BENEFITS”, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/118,400, filed on Nov. 26, 2008, andentitled “INSURANCE OPTIMIZER AND REAL TIME ANALYTICS.” This applicationis also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/624,366, entitled“MONETIZATION OF PERFORMANCE INFORMATION OF AN INSURED VEHICLE,” andfiled on Nov. 23, 2009. The entireties of the above-captionedapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure relates generally to insurance benefits andoptimization thereof and, more specifically, to promoting adoption oftime-dependent customized insurance benefit(s).

BACKGROUND

Insurance benefit(s), or coverage, typically refers to a contract,wherein an insurance carrier agrees to pay for insured financial lossesresulting from a specified event. Such insurance benefit(s) is acommodity that many people purchase for peace of mind or because locallaws require such coverage. Thus, most people might consider insuranceas something that is necessary and, at times, undesirable due toinsurance premiums.

Rates of insurance benefit(s), such as car insurance rates, aretypically determined based on desired benefit(s) and various factorsrelated to the prospective beneficiary that are mostly historical andrather limited. In general, the insurance company determines insurancecosts based on insurance models that classify segments of the populationin groups sharing similar data, such as data on features of beneficiary(e.g., health condition(s)) or property intended to be insured (car makeand model, car color, car features, whether the car is garaged,estimated miles to/from the office, etc.); demographic data (e.g., agegroup, sex, marital status, educational background, ethnicity);historical data related to intended insurance benefit, which can includedriving history as recorded primarily based on an event basis(accident(s), ticket(s) for traffic violation, processed claim(s),etc.); environmental factors related to where the prospectivebeneficiary lives, which is commonly factored in through ZIP code andavailable information thereof, recorded appraised value of property,crime rate in the area; and so forth. Members of a segment are notdistinguished for assessment of insurability and related cost. Whilesuch approach has the advantage of simplicity, it fails to incorporatevariance(s) that exist amongst members in same segment, and hencesquanders valuable data related to each individual's unique traits thatcan further affect respective insurance benefit(s) rates. Moreimportantly, in some cases, the segments upon which rates are determineddo not adequately represent a prospective beneficiary's potentialcoverage liability. As an example, with respect to motor vehicleinsurance and for a specific segment, a first operator of a car maycommute to work using inner-city streets while a second operator of asecond car can commute through a highway.

In addition, many insurance consumers do not associate any loyalty witha particular insurance carrier, particularly those such as motor vehicleinsurers, which commercialize highly commoditized insurance benefits.Thus, to find better coverage, lower rates, or both, a large number ofinsurance consumers frequently evaluate alternative providers ofinsurance benefit(s) with respect to the provider currently supplyingthe insurance benefit(s). As a result, insurance providers, or insurancecarriers, aggressively pursue service and benefit(s) differentiation,regardless how marginal, in order to mitigate prevalent consumerattrition.

Moreover, most insurance benefit(s), such as motor vehicle insurancecoverage, provided by conventional insurance carriers is typicallyrigidly priced and billed in relatively long time scales, e.g., inmonthly or semi-annually periods. Rates occasionally fluctuate, butcommonly, fluctuations only occur at the end of such relatively longtime scales and can be based on additional factors unrelated directly tofeatures or characteristics of the beneficiary, e.g., an automobileowner. Accordingly, adjustment to insurance benefit(s) and pricingthereof can significantly fail to timely accommodate changes tobeneficiary's needs or be supplied at a fair price-point.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed examples. This summary isnot an extensive overview and is intended to neither identify key orcritical elements nor delineate the scope of such aspects. Its purposeis to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to themore detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with one or more examples and corresponding disclosurethereof, various aspects are described in connection with optimizinginsurance from the perspective of both the insurance provider and theinsurance purchaser. According to an aspect, real time analytics isutilized to selectively adjust insurance premiums, coverage, and otherparameters.

One or more embodiments provide system(s) and method(s) to incentivizeadoption of time-dependent customized insurance benefit(s). A providerof insurance benefit(s) incentivizes adoption of the insurancebenefit(s) in exchange for knowledge of operation characteristics of aninsured entity. Incentivation is accomplished at least in part throughgeneration of incentive offer(s) based on available knowledge. Knowledgeis associated with an operator of the insured entity rather than withsuch entity, and the operator can regulate the scope of exchangedknowledge, and received incentive offer(s) and related content.Knowledge is cumulative and collected from insured entity andenvironment in which the entity operates. Incentive offer(s) can bedirected to provision of insurance benefit coverage that is adequate tocurrent or nearly-current operation condition(s); discounted real-timeor nearly real-time insurance benefits; or subsidized service(s).Offered incentives can be afforded at least in part through monetizationof available knowledge via commercialization thereof or targetedadvertisement.

In addition, the one or more embodiments or additional or alternativeembodiment(s) provide system(s) and method(s) to monetize knowledge ofoperation characteristics of an insured entity are provided. Theprovider of insurance benefit(s) supplies knowledge of operationcharacteristics of an insured entity in exchange for a financialcompensation. Financial compensation also can be received throughcommercialization of resources to expose an agent (e.g., an operator, anoccupant, a resident, etc.) linked to the insured entity toadvertisement in addition to delivery of the knowledge of operationcharacteristics of the insured entity. The provider of insurancebenefit(s) can exploit the financial compensation to afford, at least inpart, incentives directed to discounted insurance benefit(s) orsubsidized service(s).

While various aspects, features, or advantages of the subject innovationare illustrated with insurance of a motor vehicle, such as anautomobile, a motor boat, an airplane, a motorcycle, or the like, andreal-time or nearly real-time coverage, it should be appreciated thatdisclosed aspects, features, or advantages are not so limited and can beexploited in provision of most any or any insurance benefit(s). As anexample, insurance benefit(s) can include health insurance coverage, inwhich case performance information comprises vitals, biometrics, orother physiological data or metrics of an individual as well as data onenvironment in which the individual lives or works. As another example,the insurance benefit(s) can encompass home insurance coverage, whereinperformance information can include data on whether the house doors arelocked when no one is present, or property vandalism events affectlocation of insured house, etc.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, one or moreexamples comprise the features hereinafter fully described andparticularly pointed out in the claims. The following description andthe annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspectsand are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which theprinciples of the various aspects may be employed. Other advantages andnovel features will become apparent from the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the drawings and thedisclosed examples are intended to include all such aspects and theirequivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a high-level representation of a system that promotes adoptionof real-time or nearly real-time benefit(s) in accordance with aspectsof the subject disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a communication frameworkthat is part of an example system as conveyed in FIG. 1 in accordancewith aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 displays a block diagram of an example system that enablesincentivation of adoption of real-time or nearly real-time insurancebenefits in accordance with aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 presents an example embodiment of a component that manages dataon operation of a vehicle in accordance with aspects described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a component that generatesinsurance benefit(s) and related incentive offer(s) in accordance withaspects of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example system that allows incentivationof adoption of real-time or nearly real-time insurance benefit(s) inaccordance with features disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example system that enables monetizationof collected operation information of an insured vehicle in accordancewith aspects described herein.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example method for incentivizing adoption oftime-dependent insurance benefit(s) according to aspects describedherein.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example method for issuing a set ofincentive offer(s) to engage time-dependent insurance benefit(s)according to aspects described herein.

FIG. 10 displays a flowchart of an example method for providingperformance record(s) according to aspects disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example method for monetizing operationinformation of an insured entity in accordance with aspects describedherein.

FIG. 12 displays a flowchart of an example method for monetizingavailable performance information according to aspects described herein.

FIGS. 13-14 illustrate block diagrams of computing environments that canexecute or implement the disclosed aspects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings. In thefollowing description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofone or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that the variousaspects may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagramform in order to facilitate describing these aspects.

As used in this application, the terms “component”, “module”, “system”,“platform,” “interface,” and the like are intended to refer to acomputer-related entity or an entity related to an operational apparatuswith one or more specific functionalities, wherein the computer-relatedentity and the entity related to the operational apparatus can be eitherhardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or softwarein execution. One or more of such entities are also referred to as“functional elements.” As an example, a component may be, but is notlimited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, anobject, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or acomputer. By way of illustration, both an application running on aserver or network controller, and the server or network controller canbe a component. One or more components may reside within a processand/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on onecomputer and/or distributed between two or more computers. Also, thesecomponents can execute from various computer readable media havingvarious data structures stored thereon. The components may communicatevia local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signalhaving one or more data packets (e.g., data from one componentinteracting with another component in a local system, distributedsystem, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systemsvia the signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatuswith specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated byelectric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by a software, orfirmware application executed by a processor, wherein the processor canbe internal or external to the apparatus and executes at least a part ofthe software or firmware application. As yet another example, acomponent can be an apparatus that provides specific functionalitythrough electronic components without mechanical parts, the electroniccomponents can include a processor therein to execute software orfirmware that provides at least in part the functionality of theelectronic components. As further yet another example, interface(s) caninclude input/output (I/O) components as well as associated processor,application, or Application Programming Interface (API) components.While the foregoing examples are directed to aspects of a component, theexemplified aspects or features also apply to a system, platform,module, interface, and the like.

Artificial intelligence based systems (e.g., explicitly and/orimplicitly trained classifiers) can be employed in connection withperforming inference and/or probabilistic determinations and/orstatistical-based determinations as in accordance with one or moreaspects as described hereinafter. As used herein, the term “inference”refers generally to the process of reasoning about or inferring statesof the system, environment, and/or user from a set of observations ascaptured through events, sensors, and/or data. Inference can be employedto identify a specific context or action, or can generate a probabilitydistribution over states, for example. The inference can beprobabilistic—that is, the computation of a probability distributionover states of interest based on a consideration of data and events.Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composinghigher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Such inferenceresults in the construction of new events or actions from a set ofobserved events and/or stored event data, whether or not the events arecorrelated in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and datacome from one or several event and data sources. Various classificationschemes and/or systems (e.g., support vector machines, neural networks,expert systems, Bayesian belief networks, fuzzy logic, data fusionengines . . . ) can be employed in connection with performing automaticand/or inferred action in connection with the disclosed aspects.

Various aspects will be presented in terms of systems that may include anumber of components, modules, and the like. It is to be understood andappreciated that the various systems may include additional components,modules, etc. and/or may not include all of the components, modules,etc. discussed in connection with the figures. A combination of theseapproaches may also be used. The various aspects disclosed herein can beperformed on electrical devices including devices that utilize touchscreen display technologies and/or mouse-and-keyboard type interfaces.Examples of such devices include computers (desktop and mobile), smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other electronic devicesboth wired and wireless.

Additionally, in the subject disclosure, the word “exemplary” is used tomean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect ordesign described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in aconcrete fashion.

Further, the term “set” as employed herein excludes the empty set. Thus,a “set” in the subject disclosure includes one or more elements orentities. As an illustration, a set of offers includes one or moreoffers, or a set of devices includes K devices with K a natural numbergreater than or equal to unity.

As described in greater detail below, the subject disclosure providessystem(s) and method(s) to incentivize adoption of real-time or nearlyreal-time customized insurance benefit(s). A provider of insurancebenefit(s) incentivizes adoption of the insurance benefit(s) in exchangefor knowledge of, or information on, operation characteristics of aninsured entity. Knowledge is cumulative and can be collected from theinsured entity or an environment in which the entity operates;performance collection components can probe operation conditions andenvironment of the insured entity. Incentivation can be accomplished atleast in part through generation of incentive offer(s) based onavailable knowledge and exposure of such offer(s) to an operator of theinsured entity. Knowledge is associated, e.g., in a one-to-onerelationship, with the operator of the insured entity rather than withthe entity itself; accordingly, incentive offer(s) can be customized forthe operator irrespective of details (e.g., vehicle make or model) ofthe insured entity. The operator can regulate the volume and detail ofknowledge, or information, exchanged with the provider of insurancebenefit(s); likewise, the operator can specify the scope, e.g., type anddesired features, of received incentive offer(s) and related content,such as advertisement. Incentive offer(s) can be directed to provisionof insurance benefit coverage that is adequate to current or nearlycurrent operation condition(s); discounted real-time or nearly real-timeinsurance benefits; or (iii) subsidized service(s).

In addition the subject disclosure provides system(s) and method(s) tomonetize knowledge of operation characteristics of an insured entity areprovided. The provider of insurance benefit(s) supplies knowledge ofoperation characteristics of an insured entity in exchange for afinancial compensation. Financial compensation also can be receivedthrough commercialization of resources to expose an agent (e.g., anoperator, an occupant, a resident, etc.) linked to the insured entity toadvertisement in addition to delivery of the knowledge of operationcharacteristics of the insured entity. The provider of insurancebenefit(s) can exploit the financial compensation to afford, at least inpart, incentives directed to discounted insurance benefit(s) orsubsidized service(s).

In aspects described herein, operational performance of a vehicleutilized as part of time-dependent insurance benefit(s) not only canreward a safe operator with discounted insurance benefit(s) rates, butit can incentivize the safe operator to maintain a time-dependentinsurance benefit policy. Operational performance as exploited hereinprovides real-time or nearly real-time data on performance, oroperation, of a vehicle and the environment on which the vehicleperforms, and can be utilized in conjunction with other information toevaluate driving behavior and assess, in real-time or nearly real-time,insurance benefit(s) costs and establish incentives related to suchinsurance benefit(s).

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a high-level representation of asystem 100 that promotes adoption of real-time or nearly real-timeinsurance benefit(s) in accordance with aspects of the subjectdisclosure. As indicated supra, the real-time or nearly real-timeinsurance benefit(s) includes insurance for vehicle 110; however, thereal-time benefit(s) can include other benefits, such as healthinsurance, life insurance, or the like, related to operator(s) oroccupant(s) of vehicle 110. Such real-time or nearly real-time insurancebenefit(s) are provided (e.g., offered, marketed, issued, administered,or effected) by service provider platform 120.

To promote adoption of real-time or nearly real-time insurancebenefit(s), vehicle 110 or a device linked thereto supplies serviceprovider platform 120 with information 134 on performance, or operation,of vehicle 110 and, in response, incentive offer(s) 138 is received.Information 134 and incentive offer(s) 138 can be exchanged through acommunication framework 130, which can include various communicationnetworks, mobile and non-mobile, and associated functional elements(e.g., component(s), server(s), access point(s) . . . ) that enablecommunication; communication networks can include personal network(s)(e.g., point-to-point short-range telecommunication network based on,for example, wearable devices); local area network(s); or wide areanetwork(s). Service provider platform 120 or related third-partynetwork(s) 150 can issue incentive offer(s) 138 based at least in parton available information, which can be current or nearly currentinformation or historical information. Service network platform 120 isfunctionally connected to third-party network(s) 150 via interface 152,which can include I/O interface components (e.g., modem(s), gateway(s),router(s), server(s) . . . ), wired or wireless links, or the like.

Information 134 can correspond to performance information of vehicle 110at an instantaneous position R(t), which is a time-dependent positionvector and indicates a trajectory of vehicle 110, and after a period ofoperation Δt=t−t₀, with t a current or substantially current instant andt₀ a time at which vehicle operation started. In addition, information134 can include cumulative performance data, or historical performancedata. Performance data can be collected by vehicle 110, or a devicefunctionally coupled thereto, and can include data intrinsic to vehicle110 or data extrinsic to vehicle 110. Intrinsic data can compriselocation (e.g., latitude, longitude, altitude), velocity, accelerationor deceleration (e.g., driven by actuation of brake(s) of vehicle 110),or operational condition(s) (e.g., mileage, maintenance and repairrecords) of vehicle 110. In the alternative, extrinsic data includesdata on operator or occupant(s) of vehicle 110, or data on operationenvironment 140. As an example, the operation environment 140 can be ahighway in which vehicle 110 travels and the extrinsic data can includeposition of surrounding (in-road or off-road) vehicles relative tovehicle 110; velocity or acceleration of surrounding vehicles; trafficdata (average velocity of a group of cars, presence of accident(s),etc.) at nearby location(s) that is part of a planned trajectory ofvehicle 110; identified road hazards; intended destination or departurelocation (R(t₀)); or the like. As another example, operation environment140 can include location(s) in which vehicle 110 operates (e.g., high orlow accident area, high car damage or theft area, safe garage parkingarea . . . ). Moreover, with respect to operator of vehicle 110,extrinsic data can include biometrics information or vitals data of suchoperator, e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, perspirationlevel, etc., which can affect performance of vehicle 110. For example,when vehicle 110 is a car, irregular heartbeat and high blood pressurecan suggest the driver of vehicle 110 is highly stressed and thus proneto unsafe driving conduct, which may warrant increase insurancebenefit(s) rate. For another example, an operator with dangerously lowblood glucose can be likely to cause an accident in view of risk ofloosing consciousness due to inadequate blood sugar level; thus, anincrease in insurance benefits(s) may be warranted.

It can be appreciated that information 134 conveys rich, highlysegmented contextual data (e.g., data on several facets of operation ofvehicle 110, or operator or occupant(s) thereof) that service providerplatform 120 or related third-party network(s) 150 can exploit togenerate incentive offer(s) 138. Thus, in contrast to conventionalincentivation systems, incentive offer(s) 138 described herein arehighly customized, beneficiary-centric offer(s). In addition, incentiveoffer(s) 138 can be adjusted in real-time or nearly real-time inresponse to time-dependent variations in information 134. Furthermore,in view that incentive offer(s) 138 are exchanged for information 134,such incentive offer(s) can provide value to both service providerplatform and prospective beneficiary of retained insurance benefits.

In an aspect of the subject disclosure, incentive offer(s) 138 can bedirected to provision of (i) insurance benefit(s), or coverage, that isadequate to current or nearly-current operation condition(s) of vehicle110, in addition to specific incentive package(s); (ii) discountedreal-time or nearly real-time insurance benefit(s) for vehicle 110;(iii) subsidized service(s) that operator of vehicle 110 or occupant(s)thereof can consume; or (iv) enhanced incentive package(s), particularlyin scenarios in which service provider platform 120 increasesprice-point, or rate, of insurance benefit(s) in view of receivedinformation 134. In connection with (i), if operator of vehicle 110adopts real-time or nearly real-time insurance benefit(s), the operatornot only benefits from received specific incentive package(s) (e.g.,coupons for merchandise related to trajectory of vehicle 110), but inview of pattern(s) of operation of vehicle 110 as revealed byinformation 134, the operator also mitigates risk of underinsuredoperation of vehicle 110 or unnecessary acquisition of insurancebenefit(s) (e.g., excessive comprehensive coverage). Thus, incentiveoffer(s) 138 directed primarily to provision of adequate coverage canincrease customer loyalty through generation of highly customized,dynamic insurance benefit(s).

With respect to (ii), service provider platform 120 or one or more ofthird-party network(s) 150 can subsidize discounts for insurancebenefit(s) that operator of vehicle 110 can acquire. Magnitude ofdiscounts can be assessed based at least in part on at least one ofvolume and detail of information 134 that is communicated to serviceprovider platform 120; scope of incentive offer(s) 138 allowed to bereceived; or scope of recipients of information 134. In an aspect,higher detail, or granularity, and/or higher scope can result in higherdiscounts. In the alternative or in addition, higher granularity canresult in “forgiveness” of specific information within information 134that can be typically adverse to beneficiary, e.g., operator of vehicle110, and can result in increase of rate of insurance benefit(s); forinstance, an operator that discloses received tickets for trafficviolation(s), e.g., camera-captured speeding infraction, can avoidincrease in insurance benefit rate if the unlawful speed was within apredetermined threshold (e.g., 2-4 miles per hour) of a speed limit inthe area in which the camera captured the traffic violation. Suchthreshold or other forgiveness criteria can be established by serviceprovider platform 120, e.g., insurance company, based on normal orexpected conduct of operation of vehicle 110.

In another aspect, with respect to incentive offer(s) 138 allowed to bereceived, discounts for insurance benefit(s) can be determined by typeand volume of advertisement that operator of vehicle 110 agrees toreceive from service provider platform 120 or third-party network(s)150. In such an aspect, service provider platform 120 can subsidizeinsurance benefit(s) through revenue originated from sale or lease ofresources (e.g., radio channel(s) or radio time slot(s), display realestate in navigation device) for advertisement within vehicle 110.Specific departments of service provider platform 120, retailers,third-party network(s) can purchase or lease such advertisementresources. In addition or as an alternative, discounted price-point forinsurance benefit(s) can be achieved if operator of vehicle 110 acceptsan incentive offer to receive customized, or contextual, promotionalcontent from the service provider platform 120 or specificadvertiser(s). Such promotional content can be customized based at leastin part on a portion of information 134 that is made available to theservice provider platform 120 or the specific advertiser. Based on theportion of information 134, customization can be accomplished as afunction of at least one of time, location, or event(s). As an example,the portion of information 134 that is made available can includetypical mobility trajectories of vehicle 110; such information can beprovided to retailers (restaurants, bookstores, coffee shops, etc.)located in the vicinity of the mobility trajectories, e.g., a route ofvehicle 110 from a starting point to a destination, a retailer withinsuch retailers can deliver advertisement(s) or incentives, e.g.,coupons, at times in which vehicle 110 is in proximity of the retailerlocation. As another example, if the portion of information 134 that issupplied includes common destinations, e.g., historically re-incidentlocations, of vehicle 110, retailers can advertise specific merchandiserelated to the destination. In particular, if the common destinationsare, for example, a childcare facility, a coffee shop, and a healthclub, retailers that sale diapers, baby formula, children clothing;custom coffee blends and espresso machines; and nutrition supplementscan supply advertisement to vehicle 110 or related operator. As yetanother example, if the available portion of information 134 includesspecific mechanical condition(s) of vehicle 110 and position, coupon(s)and contact information (e.g., telephone number, email address, websiteaddress) of a nearby repair shop and towing service can be delivered tovehicle 110 in an emergency event. It should be appreciated that as theportion of information 134 that is allowed to be made available toadvertiser(s) becomes more comprehensive, such information allowsimproved customization or targeting of advertisement content(s) and thusdiscount in price-point of insurance benefit(s) can become substantial(e.g., 50% discount over regularly quoted price-point) as theadvertiser(s) can pay premium fees for advertisement opportunities.

In yet another aspect, operator (e.g., driver) or vehicle 110 can electto allow or block specific information from service provider platform120 (e.g., insurance company) or other entities such as law enforcementagencies (e.g., third-party network(s) 150). Based on such election,scope of information 134 can be determined, and service provider (e.g.,insurance company) can provide lower or higher rate(s) for insurancebenefit(s); in one example, allowing broad information to be conveyed aspart of information 134 may result in lower rates.

With respect to (iii), if an operator of vehicle 110 allows exposure ofinformation 134 that allows rich context identification, e.g.,extraction of patterns of mobility and operation habits related tovehicle 110, an advertiser or service provider exposed to suchinformation can subsidize one or more services for the operator. Theservice can include wireless service, such as voice, data, or voice anddata; road assistance; medical or dental services, e.g., if the dentistoffice is in proximity of workplace of operator, dentist can providediscounted service; salon or barber service; etc.

Regarding (iv), as indicated supra, in scenarios in which granularity orscope of information can adversely affect assessed rate for insurancebenefit(s), service provider platform 120 can promote adoption ofreal-time or nearly real-time insurance benefit(s) through enhancedincentive package(s), such as discounted operation (e.g., driving)educational material(s) or operation lesson(s). It should be appreciatedthat access to such material can benefit both operator of vehicle 110and service provider platform 120 (e.g., insurance company), since saferoperation of vehicle 110 reduces risk of operator pursuing a claim as aresult of accident, which reduces expenses for service provider platform120, and operator of vehicle 110 improves performance and thus canreduce rate of insurance benefit(s) over time.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a communication frameworkthat is part of an example system 200 to promote adoption of real-timeor nearly real-time insurance benefit(s) in accordance with aspects ofthe subject disclosure. The illustrated communication framework canembody communication framework 130. Vehicle 110 communicates withservice network 120 through wide area network (WAN) 210, which caninclude wireless and wireline functional elements that enablecommunication throughout various geographical areas. Operationenvironment 140 can be part of deployment region(s) of WAN 210, eventhough it is illustrated as a separate entity. An insurance benefitcarrier, or insurance company, that administers service providerplatform 120 need not own WAN 210 in order to accomplish communicationwith vehicle 110 or device(s) linked thereto.

In an aspect, vehicle 110 can deliver traffic, or user data, and controldata, or signaling, to access point(s) (AP(s)) 220 via wireless link224; likewise, vehicle 110 can receive traffic and signaling from AP(s)220 via wireless link 224. In view of mobility (e.g., trajectory R(t))of vehicle 110, as time progresses, different access point(s) in AP(s)220 can serve traffic and signaling to vehicle 110. Signaling andtraffic can be delivered or received in accordance with one or moreradio technology protocols, such as Third Generation Partnership Project(3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE), 3GPP Universal MobileTelecommunication System (UMTS), 3GPPP High Speed Packet Access (HSPA),or fourth generation (4G) radio technologies such as LTE Advanced(LTE-A). A network interface (not shown) with wireless functionality andrelated circuitry, e.g., antenna(s), modem, codec(s), etc., in vehicle110 can enable such exchange of traffic and signal amongst vehicle 110and AP(s) 220. Traffic and signaling received in AP(s) 220 can berelayed to one or more network management component(s) (e.g., radionetwork controller (RNC), mobility management entity (MME), networkgateway(s) . . . ) within WAN 210, which can deliver at least a portionof the traffic and signaling to a gateway (GTY) 230, which functionallyconnects WAN 210 to service network 120 via link(s) 234. Link(s) 234 caninclude wired link(s), e.g., reference link(s), or wireless or wiredbackhaul pipe(s). As described supra, service network platform 120 isfunctionally connected to third-party network(s) 150 via interface 152.Service network platform 120 or third-party network(s) 150 can delivertraffic and signaling to vehicle 110 through the functional element(s)described supra. Third-party network(s) 150 can route traffic orsignaling through service provider platform 120 or direct connectivityto link(s) 234, via interface 236 (wired or wireless link(s), referencelink(s), router(s), gateway(s), etc.).

FIG. 3 displays a block diagram of an example system 300 that enablesincentivation of adoption of real-time or nearly real-time insurancebenefit(s) in accordance with aspects described herein. Throughoutdescription of example system 300, FIGS. 4-5 are referenced toillustrate various features or aspects of example system 300 or specificcomponent(s) therein. As discussed supra, intrinsic data and extrinsicdata on performance, or operation, of a vehicle, e.g., 110, composeperformance information, e.g., 134, that is utilized to produceincentive offer(s), e.g., 138, to adopt real-time or nearly real-timeinsurance benefit(s). The performance information can characterizeoperational behavior of vehicle 110. In example system 300, one or moreperformance metric collection component(s) 310, also referred to asperformance collection component(s) 310, can probe various sources ofperformance operation condition(s) of a vehicle (e.g., 110) orfeatures(s) of an operation environment (e.g., 140) of the vehicle inorder to gather at least one of intrinsic data or extrinsic data,indicated with data 312.

Performance collection component(s) 310 can be integrated with thevehicle (e.g., 110) for which performance operation information, orknowledge, is collected. For example, performance collectioncomponent(s) 310 can be embodied in a computerized monitoring boxintegrated with the vehicle and that probes mechanical condition(s)thereof (tire pressure, oil or fuel level, battery charge, fluid(s)temperature, payload weight, etc.) or operation parameters such asvelocity, and acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. For anotherexample, an integrated navigation system (e.g., a satellite-basednavigation unit and associated electronic circuitry) or integratedcameras (e.g., for vehicle assisted maneuvering) also can provide atleast a portion of performance operation information. For yet anotherexample, at least one or more performance collection component(s) 310can be embodied as sensors integrated in the steering wheel or othercontrol device (e.g., a joystick in an aircraft) of vehicle 110. Suchsensors can efficiently allow collection of biological or medical dataof operator of vehicle 110 without reliance on, for example, wearabledevices, which may not be readily adopted by older drivers or operators.

Additionally or alternatively, performance collection component(s) 310can be part of an add-on device, and associated circuitry, operationallycoupled, e.g., attached through a functionally active wired or wirelesslink and suitable interface(s), to the vehicle. As an example, one ormore of performance collection component(s) 310 can be embodied in amobile station (smartphone, wireless enable personal computer), whichcan supply at least one of location data or trajectory data such asvelocity and acceleration or deceleration. In an aspect, such data canbe collected through a global navigation satellite system (GlobalPositioning System (GPS), Galileo, etc.) transceiver and processor thatoperates in the mobile station. As another example, data can becollected through an add-on navigation device, and associated circuitry.

One or more components in performance collection component(s) 310 canenable identification of an operator of a vehicle. For example, abiometric reader (an iris scan, fingerprint reader, etc.) can identifythe operator and associate, in a one-to-one relationship, collected dataon performance, or operation, of the vehicle with the operator. Asanother example, if one of collection component(s) 310 is embodied in amobile handset, a vehicle that includes wireless communicationfunctionality (e.g., point-to-point short-range wireless accesspoint(s), or other types of vehicular access point(s)) can identify theoperator of the vehicle or other occupant(s) after the mobile handsetattaches to an access point deployed in the vehicle. Accordingly,collected performance data can be independent of operated vehicle.

Performance data also can associated with an operator in vehicles thatlack biometric readers or limited wireless functionality. In a scenario,a device, and associated circuitry, that can identify the operator canbe carried by the operator. For example, a radiofrequency (RF)transceiver device attached to a keyfob can be actuated by an RF scanneraffixed to the vehicle and thus provide identification for the operator.For another example, a tag with a barcode associated with the vehicle orone or more performance collection component(s) can be scanned prior tooperation of vehicle. Other identification means are also possible.

In addition or in the alternative to features or aspects of performancecollection component(s) 310, in one or more embodiments, performancecollection component(s) 310 can generally include at least one of aprocessor, a memory, one or more components, or circuitry forcommunication amongst the one or more components, the processor, and thememory, in order to implement collection of performance data. Forspecific embodiments, the one or more components that can be part ofperformance collection component(s) 310 can be retained within thememory as set(s) of code instructions that are executed by the processorto enable at the very least collection and delivery of performance dataas described herein. Execution of such code instructions also can enableexchange of at least performance data with other functional elements inexample system 300.

In an aspect, intrinsic and extrinsic data on performance, or operation,can be conveyed to a set of operator-machine interface(s) 330, which caninclude conventional vehicular dashboard panels or advanced windshielddisplay(s), and to an election component 320 that can administer ormanipulate such data, and regulate access thereto in accordance with anelection of incentive offer(s) 376. In another aspect, intrinsic orextrinsic data on performance, or operation, can be collected inaccordance with collection logic 358, which can establish, at least inpart, at least one of scope of collected data or data that is to beconveyed to operator-machine interface(s) 330 or election component 320.

Information management component 324 receives data on performance, oroperation, and generates performance record(s), which can be at leastone of (1) instantaneous record(s) that convey performance as probed ata current or nearly current instant, or (2) aggregated record(s) over apredetermined performance period. In an aspect, with respect to (1),instantaneous record(s) can replicate received data 312; e.g.,instantaneous record(s) can comprise “raw” operation data. In anotheraspect, with respect to (1) and (2), information management component324 can receive performance data in format(s) native to performancecollection component(s) 310 and format generated performance record(s)in accordance to a protocol suitable for communication via accessnetwork 370. Generated performance record(s) can be specific to anoperator of the vehicle for which the performance data is gathered;performance record(s) can be retained in memory 350 within memoryelement 352 classified according to operator, as illustrated by memoryelement(s) 354, which can comprise one or more databases. In one or moreembodiments, such as embodiment 400 illustrated in FIG. 4, informationmanagement component 324 can include a mining component 404 thatgenerates performance record(s) in accordance with (1) or (2). In anaspect, as part of aggregation of received performance data, miningcomponent 404 can compute statistics (e.g., mean, standard deviation andother momenta, etc.), extract patterns; identify data clusters; extractcorrelations; etc.

In addition, information management component 324 can select a portionof performance record(s) 352, for a specific operator as recorded inmemory element(s) 354, and deliver the selected portion to serviceprovider platform 120 as operation information (e.g., 134). The selectedportion of record(s) can be part of conveyed record(s) 374. In anaspect, selection of performance record(s) 352 can proceed in accordancewith privacy criteria 362, which comprises a configurable set of rulesthat control volume and detail level (e.g., instantaneous record(s),aggregated record(s)) of performance information, e.g., record(s) 374,that is delivered to at least one of service provider platform 120 orthird-party network(s) 150. The set of rules can be configured by theoperator of a vehicle (e.g., 110) for which the data on performance iscollected. In an embodiment, election component 320 (e.g., throughinformation management component 324) in combination withoperator-machine interface(s) 330 can enable configuration of privacycriteria 362, or associated set of rules. It is noted that while privacycriteria 362 is illustrated as separate from collection logic 358, suchcriteria can be retained within collection logic 358. As anillustration, in embodiment 400, selection component 408 enablesconfiguration of privacy criteria. As illustrated in example embodiment400, components that are part of information management component 324can exchange information, e.g., data or signaling, via a bus 418 or anyother information exchange conduit, protocol. Bus 418 can be embodied inat least one of a memory bus, a system bus, an address bus, or a messagebus.

In response to supplied performance information, e.g., record(s) 374,service provider platform 120 can generate and deliver incentiveoffers(s) 376 to election component 320. In an aspect, access component392 can receive the performance information, or information onoperation, and retain such information in record storage 398; thus, therecord storage 398 can include current or historical data onperformance, or operation, of a vehicle or other insured entityassociated with record(s) 374. In addition, access component 392 alsocan receive signaling 378. As described supra, service provider platform120 (e.g., insurance carrier) can generate the incentive offer(s) 376based at least in part on the received performance information; in anaspect, benefit generation component 394 can produce the incentiveoffer(s) 376. In one or more embodiments, for example, embodiment 500illustrated in FIG. 5, benefit generation component 394 can include ananalysis component 504 that can process received performance record(s)to issue an incentive offer; to at least that end, benefit generationcomponent 394 can exploit a set of code instructions retained inapplication store 530. Exchange of information, e.g., data or signaling,amongst components that are part of benefit generation component 394 andamongst one or more of such components and memory 396 can be effectedvia a bus 518 or any other information exchange conduit, protocol. Bus518 can be embodied in at least one of a memory bus, a system bus, anaddress bus, or a message bus.

In an aspect, analysis component 504 can correlate performance data withinformation available on the environment in which vehicle 110 operates.In an example, data on vehicle's velocity and location can becorrelated, e.g., compared, with speed limits for a road currentlytraveled to determine if the vehicle is speeding and thus establish acurrent or nearly current insurance benefit rate or a discount thereof.In another example, analysis performance can contrast data on mechanicalperformance with standardized or expected parameters for various partsof the vehicle (in particular its make, model, etc.) to establishoperational safety or assess risk of malfunction and thus determine acurrent or nearly current insurance benefit rate or discount thereof. Inyet another example, analysis component 504 can retrieve informationrelated to operational environment of vehicle 110 from one or more ofthird-party network(s) 150; for instance, analysis component 504 canretrieve statistics on accident occurrence or criminality indices alonga current or selected route. In another aspect, analysis component 504can aggregate received performance record(s), which can be retained inrecord storage 520, which is substantially the same memory element asrecord storage 398, to compose incentive offer(s) 376, e.g., establish areal-time or nearly real-time insurance benefit rate or discountthereof, or determine promotional content(s), e.g., content(s) 377, toincentivize operator of vehicle 110. As part of aggregation of receivedperformance data, analysis component 504 can compute statistics (e.g.,mean, standard deviation and other momenta, etc.), extract patterns;identify data clusters, etc. Empirical, customary rule(s) of operationof vehicle 110, e.g., the norm of operation, can be applied toaggregated data to determine magnitude of changes, e.g., increment ordecrement, in insurance benefit(s) rates. Consideration of norm ofoperation rather than lawful operation of vehicle 110 can result inunchanged insurance benefit rates or unchanged incentive offer(s) incase a fine for a traffic law violation is assessed to an operator ofvehicle 110, and the operator pays such fine, if the violation occurredwhile operator complied with the norm of operation. As an illustration,an operator driving at 67 MPH in a 65 MPH zone may be complying with thenorm and thus service provider 120 may not consider such offensedetrimental to insurance cost(s) or prospective incentive offer(s).

Upon or after generation of incentive offer(s) 376, service providerplatform 120, e.g., through benefit generation component 394, candeliver incentive offer(s) 376 via access network(s) (NTWK(s)) 370,which can be embodied in the example communication framework illustratedin FIG. 2, and can comprise internet infrastructure (e.g., broadbandremote access server(s) (B-RAS(s)), digital subscriber line accessmultiplexer (DSLAM) . . . ) and related connectivity. Electionmanagement component 320, via information management component 324, forexample, can receive incentive offer(s) 376 and relay such offer(s), orcontent(s) thereof, to a benefit display component 340, which is part ofat least one of operator-machine interface(s) 330. In an aspect,information, e.g., data such as record(s) 374, incentive offer(s) 376,content(s) 377, or signaling 378, can be exchanged amongst electioncomponent 320 and access network(s) 370, and access network(s) 370 andservice provider platform 120, via, respectively, interfaces 372 and382. Each of such interfaces 372 and 382 can include at least one of I/Ointerface components (e.g., modem(s), gateway(s), router(s), server(s) .. . ), wired or wireless links, or the like. Access network(s) 370 alsocan exchange information (e.g., data, advertisement, signaling,record(s) 374, incentive offer(s) 376, signaling 378 . . . ) viainterface 384, which can include at least one of I/O interfacecomponents (e.g., modem(s), gateway(s), router(s), server(s) . . . ),wired or wireless links, or the like.

Benefit display component 340 can render the received incentive offer(s)376, or content(s) thereof, and can collect input from at least one ofoperator or occupant(s) of the vehicle that hosts election component320. In an aspect, such input can be received through one or moregestures, such as speech (e.g., voice commands), touch (e.g., screentap), motion (e.g., hovering over screen, displacement of benefitdisplay component), or the like. As illustrated, benefit displaycomponent 340 can be integrated in an operator machine interface 330;however, in one or more embodiments, benefit display component 340 canbe a dedicated component or integrated within election component 320 orone of performance collection component(s) 310.

Received operator's input can be a specific election, or an indicationthereof, of one or more of the received incentive offer(s) 376, orcontent(s) thereof. In an aspect, the specific election can include anindication of at least one of scope of supplied performance records orscope and source of content received as part of an elected incentiveoffer; such indication customizes incentive offer(s) 376 from theperspective of the operator of vehicle 110. Source can include serviceprovider platform 120 or third-party network(s) 150. In an examplefeature, information management component 324 can commit, within privacycriteria 362, the indication of content(s), and scope and source(s)thereof, authorized to be received as part of the elected incentiveoffer. The specific election can be conveyed to election component 320which can relay the election to service provide platform 120, via accessnetwork(s) 370, as part of signaling 378. After an election to accept anincentive offer and related insurance benefit plan or content(s), theelection can be revoked at substantially any or any time. Benefitdisplay component 340 also can render content(s) 377 associated with anelected incentive offer.

Based on the operator's input, which can be received by service providerplatform 120, e.g., via access component 392, as part of signaling 378,benefit generation component 394 can effect term(s) of a particularelection of incentive offer(s) 376. For instance, benefit generationcomponent 394 can update an insurance benefit policy to reflectdiscount(s), or increased or decreased coverage and associated revisedinsurance benefit rate(s); bill a beneficiary in accordance with updatedpolicy; issue incentive(s) and related content, such as advertisement orother promotional material(s), educational material(s), coupon(s),service credit(s). In addition, as part of effecting the term(s) ofelected incentive offer(s), benefit generation component 394 configureone or more of third-party network(s) 150 to direct such network(s) toproduce at least one of a portion of incentive(s) (e.g., coupon(s),service credit) or advertisement(s) associated with the particularelection of incentive offer(s) 376. Moreover, benefit generationcomponent 394 can convey a directive to information management component324 to supply at least a portion of performance information, e.g.,record(s) 374, to specific third-part network(s) 150. In an exampleembodiment, e.g., 500, issuance component 508 can configure the one ormore third-party network(s) 150 or can convey such a directive toinformation management component 324. In the alternative or in addition,benefit generation component 394 can authenticate predeterminedthird-party network(s) 150 with information management component 324 inorder for such predetermined third-party network(s) 150 to access atleast a portion of performance record(s) 352. In one or moreembodiments, e.g., 500, anti-fraud component 516 can implement suchauthentication in accordance, for example, with one or more conventionalauthentication mechanisms.

With respect to further aspects of example system 300, informationmanagement component 324 can administer rendering of incentive(s) orrelated content(s), e.g., 377, received in accordance with terms of anaccepted incentive offer. In an aspect, information management component324 can compute a safety metric for a current or substantially currentoperation condition of vehicle 110 and determine, based at least in parton predefined safety threshold(s), for example, a suitable operationcondition to render at least one of incentive(s) or related content(s).In an aspect, computation of the safety metric indicated supra caninclude data on operation of the vehicle and one or more safety factors,which can be gleaned from the performance data. Computation can be basedon disparate levels of intelligence, ranging from utilization ofpredetermined functions that model safety metrics to autonomousdetermination of a safety metric. In the latter, correlations amongstavailable (current, substantially current, historical, etc.) intrinsicand extrinsic data on performance, or operation, can be extracted basedon AI methodologies and a safety level, or metric, can be inferred fromthe extracted knowledge.

Format or packaging of the at least one of incentive offer(s) 376 orrelated content(s) 377 can be dictated, at least in part, by thesuitable operation condition in order to supply sufficient informationto convey commercial aspect(s) and not distract operator (e.g., driverof vehicle 110) excessively. Accordingly, in an aspect, the packagingcan include a persistence time interval to render content(s) 377. As anexample, content(s) 377 related to an accepted incentive offer can berendered to an operator of a car when the car is stopped at a redtraffic light; a condition that can be determined through data collectedby camera(s) and speedometer reading(s); such data and reading(s)captured, for example, by one or more of performance collectioncomponent(s) 310. The rendered content(s) can be adjusted to a typicaltime interval that a red traffic light remains actuated. As anotherexample, content(s) such as a set of rich advertisement can be renderedwhen the vehicle that hosts election component 320 is parked but whilethe operator is still occupying the vehicle. Based on parking location,information management component 324 can customize the renderedadvertisement: If the vehicle is parked near a retailer for whichadvertisement is available as part of an accepted incentive offer, therendered advertisement can be linked to merchandise offered for sale atthe retailer. Such customization is part of targeted advertisementprovided by aspects of the subject disclosure. In one or moreembodiments of information management component 324, e.g., exampleembodiment 400, delivery component 412 can format or package receivedincentive offer(s) 376 and content(s) 377 associated with an electedincentive offer as described supra. In further embodiment(s), packingcomponent 512 within benefit generation component 394 can format orpackage content(s), e.g., 377, associated with incentive offers 376 asdescribed supra. Delivery component 412 also can process input receivedfrom an operator of vehicle 110 via benefit display component 340, andcan compute safety metrics hereinbefore. In an aspect, deliverycomponent 412 can tailor incentive offer(s) or related content inaccordance at least in part with available rendering resources ormedium, e.g., display screen in a mobile handset or a head-up display invehicle 110. For a head-up display, delivery component 412 can controlprojection of the incentive offer(s) 376 or related content, such asadvertisement, wherein benefit display component 340 embodies at leastin part the head-up display. To minimize distraction caused by renderedincentive offer(s) or related content(s) (e.g., advertisement), deliverycomponent 412 can exploit various elemental indicia such as lightsources that span a spectrum of wavelengths (e.g., green, red, yellow .. . ) to convey available discount for insurance benefit(s) in anincentive offer; a coupon value; or available promotional material froma specific retailer or service provider. For example, blue light canindicate promotional material from insurance carrier, whereas greenlight can convey advertisement from a food retailer. In an embodiment,light sources can be part of benefit display component 340 and can beembodied in light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Moreover, information management component 324 also can selectportion(s) of generated record(s) and retain such portion(s) in samplingstorage 356 in order to preserve snapshot(s) of historical data onoperation that can be utilized to leverage historical performance in adetermination of one or more real-time or nearly real-time insurancebenefit(s) or incentive offer(s) related therewith. For example,performance records of different longevity, retained in sampling storage356, can be correlated to determine if specific aspects of operation ofvehicle 110, such as observance of posted speed limits is a persistentfeature along historical records of operation, or if it is a singularperformance aspect directed to eliciting incentive offer(s) withassociated low insurance benefit(s) rates. In one or more embodiments,e.g., example embodiment 500, anti-fraud component 516 can download,e.g., request and retrieve upon acknowledgement of the request,historical performance record(s) retained in sampling storage 356, anddetermined whether a current, nearly-current, or recent performance isfraudulent and geared towards obtainment of artificially low rates forinsurance benefit(s). Anti-fraud component 516 also can establishlegitimacy of received performance record(s). Anti-fraud component 516can exploit one or more software or firmware applications, retained asone or more sets of code instructions in application store 530, to makedeterminations on fraud.

In example system 300, election component 320 also can includeinformation regulation component 328, which can control access toperformance record(s) 352—e.g., control of asynchronous delivery ofrecord(s), delivery of record(s) based on schedule, delivery ordisclosure of record(s) in response to a request, delivery of record(s)as part of a service. Control can be dictated, at least in part, by aconfigurable set of regulation rules, stored in memory element 360;configuration of such regulation rules can be implemented in a mannersimilar to configuration of privacy criteria 362: an operator of vehicle110 that hosts at least a portion of example system 300 can configurethe set of regulation rules. The set of regulation rules enforces accessprivileges that can be granted to service provider platform 120 orthird-party network(s) 150. Additionally, information regulationcomponent 328 can control content, such as incentive package(s) oradvertisement(s), associated with elected incentivized time-dependent,e.g., real-time or nearly real-time, insurance benefit(s).

In an aspect of the subject disclosure, content of memory 350 can betransferred amongst vehicles. In a scenario, if a dedicated device, andassociated components and circuitry, embodies performance collectioncomponent(s) 310, election component 320, and operator-machineinterface(s) 330, the device can be removed from a first vehicle (e.g.,family car) and functionally fitted in a second vehicle (e.g., a rentalcar); the fitting can be enabled by an interface such as a UniversalSerial Bus (USB) port and associated connector(s). Thus, availableperformance record(s) 352 and other information can be exploited duringoperation of the second vehicle (e.g., a rental car). In anotherscenario, memory 350 can be a removable memory card, and so theknowledge stored therein can be realized in a vehicle through functionalfitting of the memory card; in such scenario, election component 320,and components therein, can be retained within the memory card as a setof computer- or device-executable code instructions. In yet anotherscenario, content of memory 350 can be uploaded to a mobile device,through a suitable interface (e.g., USB port and connector(s), infra-red(IR) interface), and downloaded to a disparate vehicle from the mobiledevice.

In example system 300 described supra, collection of performanceinformation and generation of incentive offer(s) is effected indisparate functional environments. In an alternative or additionalexample system 600 that enables incentivation of adoption of real-timeor nearly real-time insurance benefit(s), both collection of data onperformance, or operation, and generation of incentive offer(s) can beconducted within a single functional environment, e.g., on-board theoperated vehicle (e.g., 110) for which data is collected. FIG. 6 is ablock diagram of such an example system 600.

In example system 600, benefit generation component 394 is local to thevehicle for which performance information is generated. To generateincentive offer(s), as described supra, benefit generation component 394exploits generation criteria 397 and methodologies or algorithms,retained in application store 530, within memory 350. Terms of acceptedincentive offer(s) can be communicated, via access network(s) 370, to atleast one of service provider platform 120 or third-party network(s) 150in order to effect such terms—e.g., update an insurance benefit policyto reflect discount(s), or increased coverage and associated revisedinsurance benefit rate(s); bill beneficiary in accordance with updatedpolicy; issue content, such as advertisement or other promotionalmaterial(s), educational material(s), coupon(s), service credit(s), inaccordance with accepted incentive offer(s).

Generation of incentive offer(s) on board of an operated vehicle canreduce signaling over access network(s) 370 and thus improve real-timeor nearly real-time aspects of incentive offer(s). In addition,efficiencies related to election of incentive offer(s) can be realizedin areas with unreliable or unavailable communication service throughaccess network(s) 370. In an illustrative scenario, generation ofincentive offer(s) can proceed even when access network(s) 370experiences outage due to poor radio link quality, network congestion,or malfunctioning of a main cellular tower or other type of accesspoint, e.g., a metropolitan Wi-Fi AP. In such scenario, accepted term(s)of incentive offer(s) can be logically retained in memory 350 andconveyed to at least one of service provider platform 120 or third-partynetwork(s) 150 upon or subsequent to communication service recovery.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example system 700 that enablesmonetization of collected information on operation of an insured vehicle(e.g., vehicle 110) in accordance with aspects described herein. Thesubject example system 700 also can be employed to monetize operationinformation associated with performance of most any or any insuredentity, such as a house insured under a home insurance policy orbenefit; a person with health insurance coverage or personal injurycoverage, or life insurance; or industrial equipment. Financialcompensation that originates from monetization of delivery ofinformation on operation of the insured vehicle, or any insured entityfor which performance data is available, can be employed to subsidizeincentive offers described supra. In an aspect of the subjectdisclosure, monetization can be accomplished through sale(s) ofcollected information on operation of the insured entity, e.g., vehicle110, to third-party network(s) 150. In an example scenario, serviceprovider platform 120 can supply information on operation of the insuredvehicle, or most any insured entity, to a third-party network within theset of third-party network(s) 150 and monetize such information throughcommercialization of advertisement resource associated with the insuredentity. In one or more embodiment, aspect, benefit generation component394 can deliver, or supply, the information on operation of the insuredvehicle, or most any insured entity. It should be appreciated that inone or more alternative or additional embodiments, access component 392also can deliver, or supply, the information on operation of the insuredvehicle. In such example scenario, the third-party network can purchaseadvertisement resources allocated by service provider platform todeliver advertisement content(s) and promotional material(s). Financialcompensation associated with purchase of the advertisement resourcesaffords acquisition of the information on operation of the vehicle.

Monetization of information on operation of the insured vehicle, or anyother insurance entity, is advantageous to third-party network(s) inview of at least the following. The supplied information on operation ofthe insured entity can be highly segmented, since service providerplatform can select particular groups of one or more insured entities(e.g., vehicles) and associated devices or human agents (e.g.,occupant(s) of the insured vehicles). Accordingly, as described supra,advertisement can be highly customized and thus the third-party networkor the service provider platform can push advertisement content(s) andpromotional material(s) with enhanced likelihood of engagement, e.g.,purchase, offline or online store visit(s), subscription to service,adoption of membership in service club(s), such as a wholesale purchase,and so forth.

In an aspect of example system 700, to implement monetization ofcollected or available information on operation of an vehicle, atransaction component 710 can commit an agreement to supply at least aportion of collected or available information on operation of thevehicle in exchange of payment or compensation from a buyer, e.g., oneor more of third-party network(s) 150, of the information. To commit theagreement, for example, transaction component 710 can retain theagreement terms in memory 396, and install or configure a firmware ofsoftware application that implements the term(s) of the agreement. Theterm(s) of the agreement can regulate at least one of the scope ofinformation associated with operation of an insured entity, e.g., theinsured vehicle, that is supplied to the third-party network or anyother component that consumes the information on operation of theinsured vehicle; delivery aspects, such as delivery schedules, deliveryevents, etc.; duration of the agreement, termination clause(s), or thelike. The term(s) of the agreement also can determine one or moreallocations of resources for advertisement in at least one of theinsured vehicle or a device linked thereto. In an aspect, transactioncomponent 710 can allocate resources for advertisement of a product orservice in the insured vehicle or a device linked thereto in accordancewith the term(s) of the agreement. In one or more embodiments, toallocate the resources for advertisement, transaction component 710 canexecute, at least in part, the installed or configured firmware orsoftware application(s) that implements the term(s) of the agreement.Moreover, the term(s) of the agreement also regulate billing feature(s)of the agreement, wherein the billing feature(s) include at least one ofbilling model(s), billing cycles, promotional term(s), or the like. Toimplement billing of the supplied information on operation of theinsured entity (e.g., vehicle 110), and effect the monetization thereof,billing component 720 can effect the billing feature(s) of a committedagreement. Billing component 720 can receive the financial compensationin accordance with the billing feature(s) of the committed agreement, oras regulated at least in part by such agreement. Transaction component710 can configure and retain such features in billing data store 730,which also includes current and historical billing records for a groupof third-party networks that have acquired access to a supply ofinformation on operation of the insured entity, e.g., the insuredvehicle.

If the information on operation of the insured entity, e.g., vehicle110, is monetized through commercialization of advertisement resources,billing component 720 can implement various billing models based onresponse of a beneficiary, e.g., an operator of an insured vehicle, oran agent (human or otherwise) associated therewith to an advertisementimpression, e.g., rendered content that composes the advertisement. Theadvertisement impression can be delivered to a vehicle through accessnetwork(s) 370 as part of content(s) 377, as described supra, and theresponse of the beneficiary or the agent associated therewith, can bereceived as part of signaling 378, which can be produced by a component,such as benefit display component 340. As an example, at least one of acost-per-click (CPC) model, a cost-per-gesture (CPG) model, or acost-per-action (CPA) model can be implemented. Click(s), gesture(s), oraction(s) in response to the advertisement impression can incurpredetermined charges that are assessed to the third-party network thatreceives the performance information. The advertisement impression canbe rendered in an on-board vehicle display that allows input (e.g., viatouch screen) from an operator or an occupant of the vehicle to respondto the advertisement through a click, a gesture, or an action (e.g.,purchase of an advertised product).

In an aspect, for response(s) to an advertisement, or advertisementimpression that entail an action, transaction component 710 can process,at least in part, the action. For instance, purchases can be enabledthrough billing information (e.g., credit card record(s)) of abeneficiary associated with the insured entity (e.g., vehicle 110) inwhich the action occurs.

In another aspect of advertisement, benefit generation component 394 cangenerate at least part of content associated with advertisement that ispushed to an insured entity, or a component therein (e.g., benefitdisplay component 340), as part of monetization of information onoperation of the insured entity. Accordingly, benefit generationcomponent 394 and billing component 720 can form an advertisementplatform. Advertisement content also can be generated at the third-partynetwork that consumes (e.g., purchases) the information on operation ofan insured entity; and advertisement platform that resides within suchthird-party network can generated the advertisement content. Asdiscussed supra, advertisement content generated by benefit generationcomponent 394 or an advertisement platform in the third-partynetwork(s), can comprise a set of incentive offers associated with theinsurance benefit for the vehicle based in part on at least one of theinformation on operation of the vehicle and available historicalinformation on operation of the vehicle.

As part of monetization of the information on operation of an insuredentity, service provider platform, via, for example, transactioncomponent 710, can adjust the scope of supplied information inaccordance with configurable privacy term(s) established by abeneficiary of an insured entity. Such privacy term(s) can be retainedin beneficiary database 740, and can complement or supplement privacysettings (e.g., privacy criteria 362) configured by the beneficiary tocontrol the scope of performance information, e.g., record(s) 374, thatare provided to service provider platform 120 or third-party network(s)150. Privacy term(s) and the privacy settings (e.g., privacy criteria362) can be the same or substantially the same.

In view of the example systems shown and described above, methodologiescan be implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, asillustrated in FIGS. 8-12. While, for purposes of simplicity ofexplanation, the methodologies might be shown and described as a seriesof blocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that the disclosedaspects are not limited by the number or order of blocks, as some blocksmay occur in different orders and/or at substantially the same time withother blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, notall illustrated and/or described blocks may be required to implement themethodologies described hereinafter. It is to be appreciated that thefunctionality associated with the blocks may be implemented by software,hardware, a combination thereof or any other suitable means (e.g.device, system, process, component). One example implementation of suchfunctionality can include execution of code instructions retained in acomputer-readable medium or a device-readable medium by a processor.Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the methodologiesdisclosed hereinafter and throughout this specification are capable ofbeing stored on an article of manufacture to facilitate transporting andtransferring such methodologies to various devices. Those skilled in theart will understand and appreciate that a methodology couldalternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states orevents, such as in a state diagram.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example method 800 for incentivizingadoption of time-dependent insurance benefit(s) according to aspectsdescribed herein. At 810, performance information is collected.Collecting the performance information can include retaining it in amemory. Performance information can include operation data of an entitythat is insured, or data related to an environment in which the entityoperates. In an aspect, collecting performance information can proceedin accordance with predefined collection logic (e.g., collection logic358), which can dictate, at least in part, scope of performance data tobe gathered. In one or more embodiments, collection according to suchlogic can be advantageous to preserve battery life-span of a mobiledevice or other performance collection component(s), e.g., 310, that cancollect the performance information.

At 820, a portion of the collected performance information can besupplied based at least in part on predetermined criteria. Thepredetermined criteria can be configured by an insurance beneficiary andthus can represent privacy criteria; the predetermined criteria can bedependent on an intended recipient of the performance information to besupplied. For example, a first set of criteria can be established for aprovider of the insurance benefit(s), whereas a second set of criteriacan be established for a law enforcement agency or a third-partynetwork.

At 830, a disclosure of a set of optional incentives can be received, atleast one of the incentives in the set of optional incentives isgenerated based at least in part on the supplied performanceinformation. At 840, it is determined if at least one incentive in theset of optional incentives is elected. Determination can be accomplishedthrough detection of input received from an operator of an insuredentity (e.g., a motor vehicle) for which the performance information iscollected. As described supra, the input can be received through adisplay component (e.g., 340). An affirmative determination leads to850, in which an indication of election of at least one incentive in theset of optional incentives is delivered. The election also can convey alevel of performance information that is agreed to be delivered as partof enjoying the elected benefit. Conversely, flow is directed to 810, inwhich additional performance information is collected.

At 860, content based at least in part on the at least one electedoptional incentive is received. Content can include at least one ofnotification of an elected insurance benefit and feature(s) thereof(rate, acquired insurance coverage, insured entities, etc.); educationalmaterial related to insured entity, such as defensive driving tips ifcase of car insurance, benefits of exercising for blood glucosemanagement in case of health insurance; an advertisement; a merchandisecoupon; a service voucher (a pass-code to prepaid wireless minutes, apass-code to media content downloadable from a website, etc) or aservice credit and notification thereof; or the like. Subsequent toenactment of 860, flow is directed to 810, for further collection ofperformance information.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example method 900 for issuing a set ofincentive offer(s) to engage time-dependent insurance benefit(s)according to aspects described herein. At 910, for a specific period ofperformance, performance information is received. Metadata related tothe performance information, e.g., data that identifies data thatcomprises the performance information can be received. Metadata caninclude identity of an operator for which the incentive offer(s) isdirected, timestamps, incentive preferences, etc. Receiving performanceinformation, and associated metadata, can include storing theperformance information or the metadata. In an aspect, the period ofperformance can be adaptive, e.g., autonomously or automaticallyadjustable, and linked to the performance information that is collected;for instance, if velocity of a vehicle is included in the performanceinformation and vehicle acceleration is zero or substantially zero, thenperformance period can be relatively long and adjusted, e.g., reduced,when acceleration becomes measurably different from zero.

At 920, a set of incentive offers related to time-dependent insurancebenefit(s) is generated based at least in part on the receivedperformance information. The set of incentive offers can include theoptional incentives discussed supra in connection with example method700. In particular, incentive offer(s) can include provision ofinsurance benefit(s) at deeply discounted rates, e.g., almostfree-of-charge, in exchange for rich, highly detailed performanceinformation. At 930, the set of incentive offers is conveyed.

At 940, it is determined if the set of incentive offers is to be updatedor a new set of incentive offers is to be generated. Determination canbe based at least in part on the received performance information andhistorical performance information available to a functional elementthat enacts the subject example block or method. As an illustration, ifreceived performance information displays substantially the samecorrelations as available historical data, e.g., a moving average ofvelocity remains unchanged, then, the set of incentive offers need notbe updated. Determination also can be based at least in part onsignaling received in response to the delivered set of incentiveoffer(s); in particular, if an indication to revoke delivery ofincentive offer(s) is received, no further set of incentive offer(s) areupdated or generated. If outcome of 940 is affirmative, flow is directedto act 910. Conversely, the subject example method can be terminated.

FIG. 10 displays a flowchart of an example method 1000 for providingoperation record(s) according to aspects disclosed herein. At 1010, aset of criteria to regulate access to a record of operation (e.g.,record(s) 374) by at least one of a service provider, a third-partynetwork, or an operator is issued. In an aspect, the set of criteria isconfigurable and can be issued asynchronously; an operator of a vehiclethat is insured by the service provider can configure the set ofcriteria. An operator-machine interface can enable configuration of theset of criteria by receiving information that compose one or more rulesthat define the set of criteria, and retaining the information in acomputer-readable medium (e.g., memory 350). The set of criteria canestablish selective masking of information on operation (e.g.,information 134 or record(s) 374) by determining a group of entitiesthat can access, or is allowed access to, the record of performance(e.g., record(s) 374). As an example, a service provider (e.g.,insurance carrier) can access record(s) of velocity of an insuredvehicle, whereas a law enforcement agency (e.g., police) can be barredfrom accessing such record(s) of velocity if it reveals the vehicle isspeeding. As another example, a parent of a teenage driver can receiveany record(s) of performance related to a vehicle operated by theteenage driver.

At 1020, the record of performance for a specific performance period isgenerated. As described supra, for example, the performance period canbe adaptive and adjusted according to the particular record ofperformance. At 1030, access to the record of operation is regulatedbased at least in part on at least one of the set of criteria, theservice provider, or the third-party network. At 1040, based on accessregulation, at least part of the records is delivered or withheld.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example method 1100 for monetizingoperation information of an insured entity in accordance with aspectsdescribed herein. At 1110, information on operation of an insured entityis collected. The insured entity can be a motor vehicle, a facility(e.g., house, business location), a living agent, such as a person or ananimal, or the like. At 1120, an agreement to supply at least a portionof the collected information in exchange for a financial compensation iscommitted. Committing the agreement can include retaining terms of theagreement in a memory, and installing or configuring firmware orsoftware application(s) (or set of devices or set of code instructionsthat compose such application(s)) that implements the term(s) of theagreement. In addition, committing the agreement also can includedelivering the term(s) of the agreement to a party, e.g., third-partynetwork component, and an indication that the agreement is current andin force. At 1130, at least the portion of the collected information isconveyed in accordance with the committed agreement. The recipient of atleast the portion of information that is conveyed can be the party,e.g., third-party network component, that consumes the information. At1140, the financial compensation is secured based on at least theportion of the collected information that is conveyed or the committedagreement. In an aspect, securing the financial compensation can includegenerating billing records for the information that is supplied to theparty that consumes such information, and delivering billing invoices tosuch party.

FIG. 12 displays a flowchart of an example method 1200 for monetizingavailable performance information according to aspects described herein.While illustrated with respect to operation of a vehicle and informationassociated with such operation, the subject example method 1200 can beeffected for other entities, such as a person, a house, a business, orthe like. In addition, the subject example method 1200 is an example ofmethod 1100. One or more blocks of example method 1200 can beimplemented as part of example method 1100. At 1210, information onoperation, or performance, of a vehicle is accessed. The information canbe raw time-dependent intrinsic data or extrinsic data (see descriptionof FIG. 1) or aggregated vehicle operation data, e.g., a pattern ofacceleration within a predetermined performance period, a pattern ofstop-and-go operation for a set of rush-hour periods in a predeterminedroute, destination location listing for past M trips, with M a naturalnumber, etc. Accessing the information on operation can includereceiving performance data, or records; in an example scenario, accesscomponent 392 receives the information on operation. At 1220, at least aportion of the accessed information is supplied to an advertisementplatform (which can be embodied, for example, in benefit generationcomponent 394 and billing component 720). The advertisement platform canbe part of a service provider (e.g., service provider platform 120) thatfurnishes insurance benefit(s) for the vehicle for which operationinformation is accessed. In the alternative or in addition, theadvertisement platform also can be part of a third-party network (e.g.,150) that is functionally coupled to the service provider.

At 1230, resources for advertisement of a product in at least one of thevehicle or a device linked thereto are allocated. Advertisement of theproduct can be tailored to aspects of the accessed information onoperation, which can reveal contextual information related to anoperator or occupant(s) of the vehicle. Thus, such advertisement and theproduct itself can be accurately targeted to the operator or occupant(s)or focused on the vehicle. The device can be integrated in the vehicle,e.g., navigation system, maneuvering system, head-up display, or thelike. In addition or in the alternative, the device can be most anyadd-one device in the vehicle, such as a satellite-based navigationunit, or a most any electronic appliance, e.g., mobile device(s)utilized by an operator or occupant of the vehicle. The deviceintegrated to the vehicle, the add-on device, or the electronicappliance can render information to an end user (e.g., the operator oroccupant of the vehicle) via, for example, a display screen, a loudspeaker or any other one or more components that can supply sound,images, token(s), or stimuli that deliver information to the end user.The resources that are allocated for advertisement can include radiochannel(s) or radio airtime in which advertisement can be delivered.Additionally or alternatively, resources can include at least one of (i)space in on-board displays in the vehicle, such as display of anavigation unit, a dashboard, section(s) of windshield, portion(s) ofsteering wheel, or a dedicated device, and associated component(s) andcircuitry, that manages collection of operation information; or (ii)space in display(s) in the device linked, functionally or otherwise, tothe vehicle. In a scenario in which the subject example method iseffected for a person as the insured entity, a device that is linked tothe person, and in which resources for advertisement are allocated, canbe a wearable device or portable device, such as a helmet-mounteddisplay, a head-mounted display (e.g., glasses), a pedometer; a mobiletelephone, a media player, or the like. In an alternative or additionalscenario in which the subject example method is effected for a house asthe insured entity, the device that is linked to the house, and in whichresources for advertisement are allocated, can be most any or anyelectronic or electric appliance that operates in the house and canrender information to an end user via, for example, a display screen, aloud speaker or any other mechanism or component that can convey sound,images, or other stimuli that convey information. For instance, thedevice can be a television set, a radio tuner set, a wireline telephonedevice with display component(s) (e.g., a display screen), or the like.

At 1240, payment is collected from the advertisement platform inexchange for the allocation of resources for advertisement of theproduct in at least one of the vehicle or device linked thereto. In anaspect, collecting payment includes utilizing one or more models ofpayment based on feedback or response from an operator or occupant ofthe vehicle to the advertisement of the product. For instance, at leastone of a cost-per-click (CPC) model, a cost-per-gesture (CPG) model, ora cost-per-action (CPA) model can be implemented in which predeterminedcharges are assessed to the advertisement platform if advertisement isrendered in an on-board vehicle display that allows input (e.g., viatouch screen) from an operator or occupant of the vehicle, and anoccupant of the vehicle responds to the advertisement through a click oran action. It should be appreciated that, in one or more embodiments,CPC model can be part of a cost-per-gesture (CPG) model in which, forinstance, speech or motion response to advertisement (e.g., an operatorverbally requests details on advertised product through radio equipmentthat renders advertisement) can be accounted as feedback to theadvertisement and thus incur charges for advertisement platform.

At 1250, compensation is received from the advertisement platform if atransaction related to the product is effected as a result of theadvertisement of the product in at least one of the vehicle or thedevice linked thereto. In an aspect, the transaction can be effectedduring operation of the vehicle and by directing a gesture to adedicated operator-machine interface in the vehicle for whichinformation on operation is accessed or advertisement is rendered.

A service provider (e.g. insurance carrier) that affords insurancebenefit(s) for the vehicle can employ at least one of the payment orcompensation from the advertisement platform to subsidize insurancebenefit(s), e.g., insurance coverage, for the vehicle and thusincentivize specific types of insurance benefit(s), such as real-time ornearly real-time insurance coverage plans. In addition, for the serviceprovider (e.g., insurance carrier), such payment or compensation canmitigate financial risk(s) associated with provision of insurancebenefit(s) since the payment or the compensation is a source of revenuethat originates from operation of the vehicle, which is the source ofrisk(s) associated with insurance coverage. Moreover, at least one ofpayment or compensation can subsidize at least part of cost of specificservice(s) utilized by operator(s) or occupant(s) of the vehicle forwhich information on operation, or performance, of the vehicle isaccessed; the specific service(s) can include wireless service, vehiclemaintenance or repairs, or the like. In one or more scenarios, subsidiescan render the specific service(s) free-of charge through rebates orservice vouchers: As an example, insurance carrier or advertisementplatform can liquidate at least a portion of cost of delivering mobileinstant messages from within the vehicle for which information onoperation is accessed. As another example, insurance carrier can pay(e.g., reimburse) expense of routine oil and lube changes for thevehicle for which information on operation is accessed.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputer environment that can execute or implement the disclosedarchitecture or portion(s) thereof. In order to provide additionalcontext for various aspects disclosed herein, FIG. 13 and the followingdiscussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of asuitable computing environment 1300 in which the various aspects can beimplemented. While the one or more aspects have been described above inthe general context of computer-executable instructions that may run onone or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious aspects also can be implemented in combination with otherprogram modules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects may also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where certain tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed computing environment, program modules can be located inboth local and remote memory storage devices.

A computer typically includes a variety of computer-readable media.Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby the computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media,removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatileand nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such ascomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM,ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalvideo disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium which can be used to store the desired informationand which can be accessed by the computer.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the anyof the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

With reference again to FIG. 13, the exemplary environment 1300 forimplementing various aspects includes a computer 1302, the computer 1302including a processing unit 1304, a system memory 1306 and a system bus1308. The system bus 1308 couples system components including, but notlimited to, the system memory 1306 to the processing unit 1304. Theprocessing unit 1304 can be any of various commercially availableprocessors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor architecturesmay also be employed as the processing unit 1304.

The system bus 1308 can be any of several types of bus structure thatmay further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1306includes read-only memory (ROM) 1310 and random access memory (RAM)1312. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatilememory 1310 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within thecomputer 1302, such as during start-up. The RAM 1312 can also include ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1302 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1314 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1314 may also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1316, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 1318) and an optical disk drive 1320, (e.g., readinga CD-ROM disk 1322 or, to read from or write to other high capacityoptical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1314, magnetic diskdrive 1316 and optical disk drive 1320 can be connected to the systembus 1308 by a hard disk drive interface 1324, a magnetic disk driveinterface 1326 and an optical drive interface 1328, respectively. Theinterface 1324 for external drive implementations includes at least oneor both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interfacetechnologies. Other external drive connection technologies are withincontemplation of the one or more aspects.

The drives and their associated computer-readable media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1302, the drives and mediaaccommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to aHDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media suchas a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other types of media which are readable by a computer, such as zipdrives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and thelike, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment, andfurther, that any such media may contain computer-executableinstructions for performing the methods disclosed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1312,including an operating system 1330, one or more application programs1332, other program modules 1334 and program data 1336. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1312. It is appreciated that the various aspects canbe implemented with various commercially available operating systems orcombinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1302 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1338 and apointing device, such as a mouse 1340. Other input devices (not shown)may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad,a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devicesare often connected to the processing unit 1304 through an input deviceinterface 1342 that is coupled to the system bus 1308, but can beconnected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 1344 or other type of display device is also connected to thesystem bus 1308 through an interface, such as a video adapter 1346. Inaddition to the monitor 1344, a computer typically includes otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 1302 may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections through wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1348. The remotecomputer(s) 1348 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer1302, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device1350 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted includewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1352 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1354. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich may connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1302 isconnected to the local network 1352 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1356. The adaptor 1356 mayfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1352, which mayalso include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicatingwith the wireless adaptor 1356.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1302 can includea modem 1358, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN1354, or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN1354, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1358, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to thesystem bus 1308 through the serial port interface 1342. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1302, orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1350. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexemplary and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer 1302 is operable to communicate with any wireless devicesor entities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., aprinter, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable dataassistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or locationassociated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand),and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™ wirelesstechnologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure aswith a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication between atleast two devices.

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet fromhome, in a hotel room, or at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wirelesstechnology similar to that used in a cell phone that enables suchdevices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, etc.) to provide secure,reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used toconnect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks(which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in theunlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps(802.11b) data rate, for example, or with products that contain bothbands (dual band), so the networks can provide real-world performancesimilar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernet networks used in manyoffices.

Referring now to FIG. 14, there is illustrated a schematic block diagramof an exemplary computing environment 1400 in accordance with thevarious aspects. The system 1400 includes one or more client(s) 1402.The client(s) 1402 can be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads,processes, computing devices). The client(s) 1402 can house cookie(s)and/or associated contextual information by employing the variousaspects, for example.

The system 1400 also includes one or more server(s) 1404. The server(s)1404 can also be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads, processes,computing devices). The servers 1404 can house threads to performtransformations by employing the various aspects, for example. Onepossible communication between a client 1402 and a server 1404 can be inthe form of a data packet adapted to be transmitted between two or morecomputer processes. The data packet may include a cookie and/orassociated contextual information, for example. The system 1400 includesa communication framework 1406 (e.g., a global communication networksuch as the Internet) that can be employed to facilitate communicationsbetween the client(s) 1402 and the server(s) 1404.

Communications can be facilitated through a wired (including opticalfiber) and/or wireless technology. The client(s) 1402 are operativelyconnected to one or more client data store(s) 1408 that can be employedto store information local to the client(s) 1402 (e.g., cookie(s) and/orassociated contextual information). Similarly, the server(s) 1404 areoperatively connected to one or more server data store(s) 1410 that canbe employed to store information local to the servers 1404.

What has been described above includes examples of the various aspects.It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combinationof components or methodologies for purposes of describing the variousaspects, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that manyfurther combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, thesubject specification intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications, and variations.

In particular and in regard to the various functions performed by theabove described components, devices, circuits, systems and the like, theterms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe suchcomponents are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, toany component which performs the specified function of the describedcomponent (e.g., a functional equivalent), even though not structurallyequivalent to the disclosed structure, which performs the function inthe herein illustrated exemplary aspects. In this regard, it will alsobe recognized that the various aspects include a system as well as acomputer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions forperforming the acts, blocks and/or events of the various methods.

In addition, while a particular feature may have been disclosed withrespect to only one of several implementations, such feature may becombined with one or more other features of the other implementations asmay be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.To the extent that the terms “includes,” and “including” and variantsthereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, theseterms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term“comprising.”

The term “or” as used in either the detailed description or the claimsis intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”.That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, thephrase “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the naturalinclusive permutations. That is, the phrase “X employs A or B” issatisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; X employs B;or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” asused in this application and the appended claims should generally beconstrued to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear fromthe context to be directed to a singular form.

In the subject specification and annexed drawings, terms such as“store,” “data store,” “data storage,” “database,” and substantially anyother information storage component relevant to operation andfunctionality of a component, refer to “memory components,” or entitiesembodied in a “memory” or components comprising the memory. It will beappreciated that the memory components described herein can be eithervolatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory. Moreover, a memory component can be affixed to adisparate component or removable there from.

Furthermore, the one or more aspects may be implemented as a method,apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedaspects. The term “article of manufacture” (or alternatively, “computerprogram product”) as used herein is intended to encompass a computerprogram accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media.For example, computer readable media can include but are not limited tomagnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips. . . ), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk(DVD) . . . ), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card,stick). Additionally it should be appreciated that a carrier wave can beemployed to carry computer-readable electronic data such as those usedin transmitting and receiving electronic mail or in accessing a networksuch as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Of course, thoseskilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to thisconfiguration without departing from the scope of the disclosed aspects.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium; and a processor that executes thefollowing computer executable components stored on the non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium: an information management componentconfigured to: receive at least one of real-time operation informationor operation environment information regarding a vehicle; infer adestination of the vehicle; and identify a provider, located at or enroute to the inferred destination, that is offering a product or servicethat matches a lifestyle choice of a vehicle operator; a benefitgeneration component configured to forward to the vehicle or the vehicleoperator an advertisement generated by the provider; and a displaycomponent configured to display the advertisement.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a performance record generated based in parton at least one of the real-time operation information of the vehicle bythe vehicle operator or the operation environment information of thevehicle by the vehicle operator.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein theperformance record is specific to the operator and is transferrable fromthe vehicle to a disparate vehicle.
 4. The system of claim 2, furthercomprising a selection component configured to expose the performancerecord to the provider based at least in part on a privacy criteria. 5.The system of claim 2, further comprising an information regulationcomponent configured to control access to the performance record.
 6. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the performance record is collected as partof a service provisioning insurance coverage for the vehicle operator.7. The system of claim 6, wherein the provider pays an entityprovisioning the insurance coverage to supply the advertisement.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the display component is configured to beremovably attached to the vehicle and receives input from the vehicleoperator through at least one of a speech gesture, touch gesture, or amotion gesture.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the informationmanagement component is a mobile device functionally coupled to acomponent configured to supply at least one of the real-time operationinformation or the operation environment information regarding thevehicle.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the lifestyle choice isbased at least in part on information provided by the vehicle operatorduring obtainment of insurance coverage or inferred from the aggregateddata pertaining to prior operation of the vehicle by the vehicleoperator.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein identification of thevehicle operator is facilitated by at least one of a radio frequencyidentification device associated with the vehicle operator, informationprovided by a mobile handset associated with the vehicle operator, orinformation received from a biometric device located in the steeringwheel of the vehicle.
 12. A method, comprising: employing at least onecomputer processor to execute code instructions retained in acomputer-readable medium, the executed code instructions implement thefollowing acts: receiving at least one of real-time operationinformation or operation environment information regarding a vehicle;inferring a destination of the vehicle; and identifying a provider,located at or en route to the inferred destination, that is offering aproduct or service that matches a lifestyle choice of an operator of thevehicle; forwarding to the vehicle or the vehicle operator anadvertisement generated by the provider; and displaying theadvertisement.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising generatinga performance record based in part on at least one of the real-timeoperation information of the vehicle or the operation environmentinformation of the vehicle.
 14. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising issuing a criteria regulating access to the performancerecord by the provider; and regulating access to the performance recordbased at least in part on at least one of the criteria or the serviceprovider.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising determiningcompliance with the access regulation facilitating delivery of theperformance record.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the criteriaestablishing selective masking of the performance record by determininga group of entities allowed access to the performance record.
 17. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising identifying the vehicle operatorbased on at least one of a radio frequency identification deviceassociated with the vehicle operator, information provided by a mobilehandset associated with the vehicle operator, or information receivedfrom a biometric device located in the steering wheel of the vehicle.18. The method of claim 12, further comprising identifying the lifestylechoice based at least in part on information being provided by theoperator during obtainment of insurance coverage or being inferred fromthe aggregated data pertaining to prior operation of the vehicle by thevehicle operator.
 19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-executable instructions that, in response to execution,cause a computing system to perform operations, comprising: receiving atleast one of real-time operation information or operation environmentinformation regarding a vehicle; inferring a destination of the vehicle;and identifying a provider, located at or en route to the inferreddestination, that is offering a product or service that matches alifestyle choice of an operator of the vehicle; forwarding to thevehicle or the vehicle operator an advertisement generated by theprovider; and displaying the advertisement.
 20. The system of claim 19,the operations further comprising generating a performance record basedin part on at least one of the real-time operation information of thevehicle or the operation environment information of the vehicle.
 21. Thesystem of claim 20, wherein the performance record being collected aspart of a service provisioning insurance coverage for the vehicleoperator.
 22. The system of claim 19, the operations further comprisingidentifying the vehicle operator based on at least one of a radiofrequency identification device associated with the vehicle operator,information provided by a mobile handset associated with the vehicleoperator, or information received from a biometric device located in thesteering wheel of the vehicle.
 23. The system of claim 19, theoperations further comprising identifying of the lifestyle choice,wherein the identifying of the lifestyle choice being based at least inpart on information being provided by the vehicle operator duringobtainment of insurance coverage or being inferred from the aggregateddata pertaining to prior operation of the vehicle by the vehicleoperator.